"The chief constable is currently off sick and is likely to be for the foreseeable future," Mr Passmore said.

"To cover Douglas' absence I have asked Deputy Chief Constable Gareth Wilson to step up to the role as temporary chief constable with immediate effect.

"To help provide further resilience, former Assistant Chief Constable Tim Newcomb is currently providing short-term support to the chief officer team while we work to secure a temporary deputy chief constable to cover Gareth's substantive post.

"I'd like to take this opportunity to wish Douglas well in his recovery."